Introduction

Previous Projects

Services

Products

Introduction

In order to control a system it is important to understand the behaviour of that system. At Potenza Technology we utilise tools such as Mathworks Matlab/Simulink and Dymola Modellica to mathematically simulate the performance of engineering systems. Through this simulation the behaviour of the system becomes better understood, areas where knowledge is lacking is identified, and problems can be resolved in a virtual environment before expensive prototype construction is required.

The developed simulation models can be simulated along with the proposed control algorithms in a number of ways;

• Offline simulation - control and system (plant) modeled on a PC in non-real-time.
• Rapid Prototyping - control run on a high performance generic target such as the Prodrive Micro-Proteus to control real system in real-time.
• Hardware-in-the-Loop testing - control run on target platform with simulated plant for control functionality analysis, robustness and safety testing.
• Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation - system simulated with interface to components of real system which may exhibit complex phenomena.

Many of these ways utilise automatic code generation technology to generate C code suitable for compiling on a real hardware target. This approach accelerates the development process significantly and reduces coding errors which can be introduced by a human coding process. For more information on the issues surrounding automatic code generation see the technical section for previous presentations we have made in this area, and visit our partner organisation, Rapicore Ltd.

Previous Projects

Potenza Technology has extensive experience in modeling engineering systems for both automotive and aerospace applications. Previous projects have included simulation work looking at:

• vehicle dynamics
• vehicle semi-active suspension
• hybrid powertrain systems optimisation
• vehicle performance predictions
• aircraft flight control system performance

This work has covered translational mechanical, rotational mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and thermal modeling of systems. We utilise simulation at the beginning of projects to develop an understanding of the system and to predict potential performance gains, and then through refinement during the project for control algorithm test, development and initial calibration.

We also use simulation linked to graphical tools such as in-house designed ActiveX controls to provide customers with visual representations of systems, from vehicle dynamic behaviour through to virtual instrumentation for up front requirements capture and customer feedback. In this manner we work to a right first time approach.

Combined with the simulation of physical engineering systems, we can use tools such as Mathworks Simulink to develop and test control algorithms. We have wide experience in control systems for applications ranging from continuous chassis control through to state based systems such as engine management. Some of our control development projects include:

• Engine control
• Suspension control (semi-active)
• Hybrid transmission control
• Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) control
• Traction control and optimisation
• Motor control - DC and switched reluctance motor
• Robot control
• Chemical system control (Fuel Cell Reformer controller)

Some of our key skills are in the development of control algorithms, but also in their productionisation for application on a real world controller. We optimise control to minimise code size, to consider task time limitations and fixed point operations to ensure that the developed control algorithms are implementable within the framework of the customers target application.